Germany Leads European Tourism Growth with Record-Breaking Projections for 2025

Germany's Tourism Sector Poised for Record-Breaking 2025

Germany's tourism industry is set to achieve unprecedented milestones in 2025, with forecasts pointing to record-high international visitor spending and a significant contribution to the national economy. This robust outlook follows a strong performance in 2024, which saw the country solidify its position as a leading destination within Europe. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) predicts that 2025 will be a landmark year for Germany's travel and tourism sector, with every major performance indicator expected to reach new heights.

Strong Performance in 2024 Paves the Way

The foundation for 2025's anticipated success was laid in 2024, a year that marked a significant recovery and growth for German tourism. According to official data, Germany recorded a total of 496.1 million overnight stays by both domestic and international guests, representing a 1.9% increase compared to 2023 and surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 2019 by 0.1%. International visitors accounted for 85.3 million of these overnight stays, a 5.4% rise from the previous year. The country's tourism revenue reached an impressive €525 billion in 2024, positioning Germany as the third-largest globally in this regard. August 2024 alone saw 59 million overnight visitors, setting a new monthly record.

Economic Impact and Growth Drivers

The economic impact of Germany's tourism sector is projected to be substantial in 2025. International visitor spending is forecast to reach an unprecedented €57 billion, marking the highest inbound spend ever recorded in the country. The total contribution of the sector to Germany's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) could hit an all-time high of €499 billion, equivalent to 11.6% of the GDP. Furthermore, the industry is expected to support a record 6.5 million jobs, accounting for 14% of national employment. Domestic visitor spending is also anticipated to exceed all previous benchmarks, reaching €425 billion.

Several factors contribute to Germany's appeal and sustained growth:

• Robust Intra-regional Travel: Strong travel within Europe continues to boost visitor numbers.
• Diverse Offerings: Germany attracts tourists with its cultural city breaks, outdoor adventures, wellness retreats, and world-class events.
• Business Travel: Business travel remains a crucial component of inbound tourism, with Germany having a higher proportion of business travelers from Europe than any other country.
• Strategic Promotion: The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) actively promotes Germany as a sustainable and inclusive destination, leveraging digital transformation and partnerships to enhance its global presence.

European Context and Future Outlook

Germany's performance aligns with a broader resurgence in European tourism. In 2024, Europe experienced significant growth, with approximately 747 million tourist arrivals and 2.99 billion tourist overnight stays across the EU. Germany was among the top four European destinations in terms of overnight stays, contributing an additional 10 million overnight stays in 2024. Early estimates for the first half of 2025 indicate a continuation of this upward trend, with 223.3 million overnight stays recorded in Germany. This powerful resurgence positions Germany not only as a European leader but also as a global example of recovery and reinvention in the tourism sector.